<p>Funny you should post this as we were just in this dilemma about which new vacuum to buy. I almost “brought it to the forum” because I knew there would be some valid opinions out there - I’ve seen discussion on CC about everything from mattresses to coffee pots - so why not vacuums? Well, DH went out & bought the Dyson before I could post!</p>
<p>So far, we are loving the Dyson! We’ve had several Rainbows, but were finally fed up with emptying the cannister all the time - yuck! I like how the Dyson empties from the bottom - no messy dust flying everywhere - but be careful when you first start vacuuming b/c that cannister will fill up quickly! Who knew there was so much dust in our rug? I THOUGHT I was vacuuming! Guess that Rainbow & the little “Shark” we had just weren’t getting it!</p>
<p>Anyway, we got the “Slim” model as we have several levels in our house & I needed something light to move up the steps. The suction power is =/> the larger models. I like how the hose comes out of the handle - very convenient. Go to Dyson.com to get more info - it’s worth doing the research. And with the prices for high-end vacuums these days, it’s important to make a good decision. So far, I’d recommend the Dyson - it really picks up well & the design is very functional. No retractable cord tho’ - gotta wind it up! Awww - ;)</p>
<p>BTW - I also, have two 5 yr. old mieles (an upright for upstairs and a canister for downstairs) which I have really liked. We also use the optional HEPA filters!</p>
<p>Here is some help for those who don’t know which way to go, Bags or bag-less vacuums. Tip of the year!</p>
<p>Yes, I have a Hoover Empower upright, works great. It’s great all except for the price of the Hepa filter, $39. I soon realized that the filter became extremely dirty after it’s first cleaning and saw that replacing this Hepa filter will be soon and often. Built almost like automobile filters, as well as other paper filters. How I solved the replacement, cost problem. Go buy a roll of Bounty paper towels- 2 ply . Take one sheet, (not the half sheet) and separate the ply sheets. You end up with 2 separate sheets of ply. You will notice how the one ply is constructed of many small fine holes, enough for air to pass through, just like a filter. Wrap one sheet around the round, approx. 12 inch Hoover Hepa filter. There will be an overlap. To secure it tape it in 3 spots. Save the other ply for your next vacuuming. The paper ply sheet will stop much of the real dirt from reaching your filter, but it will suck dirt just fine, and will prevent replacing this Hoover Hepa filter because it’s clogged with dirt. After each vacuuming, tap the filter to clean out any other small dirt it many have accumulated, and replace the paper ply filter. Also, empty canister at least once during cleaning. You may find you may never have to replace this costly filter. Try it, youll like it!</p>
<p>I have a Kirby that is over 10 years old and still works like a champ…don’t by the shampooer, but just the bottomline model. I have had no problems to speak of. I actually always have 2 (3 level homes, I keep 1 on the top floor and 1 in the basement). I have gone through many other models, but my kirby keeps working while the others eventually die. So if you avg it out, kidbys aren’t that more expensive. In our new home I definetly want a roomba</p>
<p>Update- My housekeeper broke/put a hole in my miele upright (she must have dropped something heavy on it). After some thought, I went out and bought another Miele! It is a great machine. Hope she is more careful with the new one.</p>
<p>Caught most of the comments. A central vac is the best choice- if you can have one installed. I know of a woman who gave up her laundry chute for one (a way to run the pipes to the second floor). In the north garages freeze, our motor sits in the basement, under the living room (who entertains and vacuums simultaneously?). The cyclonic action of a central vac is now marketed in others- definitely go for that type. The science behind the vacs is good- I hate redeposited dust.</p>
<p>We also have a brand (Vacuflow) with its own wiring, ie no electric outlets needed near wall suction ports. Have read that one dusts after using a conventional vacuum to catch dust created by it, wheras one vacuums after dusting with a central vac to catch dust stirred up by the dusting. Add an electronic air cleaner (with washable metal screens) and you have it made. So easy to clean up broken glass from any flooring, dust shelves in the closets (once every… not often), clean up bits of styrofoam packing… The hose isn’t wrapped and doesn’t get in my way. Also use it on the garage floor to get rid of those nasty winter stones and mulch bits in cars… And easy to retrieve any small items captured by the vac.</p>
<p>We had a top-of-the-line Hoover for about 6 years, which did a great job – when it worked! It was nearly a weekly event to take the thing apart and fix it before we could use it. I think it simply couldn’t stand up to the hair from our golden retriever.</p>
<p>We replaced it with the Eureka model (I think it is the Boss) that was rated a “best buy” by consumer reports. It was cheap – I paid about $120 for it, on sale, and figured if it lasted a couple of years, we would get our money’s worth out of it. It has been three years, so far, and it still works great.</p>
<p>It is hands-down the best vacuum I have ever owned – great suction, very dependable, and the bags easily come off without making a huge cloud of dust. And you can’t beat the price!</p>
<p>My mom has an oreck, and it does a great job…she got it because of it’s weight and I was skeptical that it would have enough power, but it definetly does…she has had it for @4 yrs and it still is working like a champ</p>
<p>I think we all have different needs in a vacuum, some of us want a higher quality and some of us just want a cheap vacuum that does the trick for a while. With that being said I’m kind of a novice in vacuum buying and I thought you guys could help me out with some advice or suggestions. I found this site last night [What</a> is the Best Vacuum Cleaner 2013 - Review](<a href=“http://www.squidoo.com/what-is-the-best-vacuum-cleaner]What”>http://www.squidoo.com/what-is-the-best-vacuum-cleaner) and I’m considering the hoover windtunnel even tho it’s kind of pricey i’m hoping it will last a while. I’m wondering if you guys have any experience with it or suggestions of other ways to go? Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Kirby… no doubt about it… We bought ours, used, at a garage sale before my son was born - he takes his last college final tomorrow - and the Kirby is still sucking along…</p>
<p>Funny, I just set my Dyson aside to move my computer and decided check CC. And what did I see? A thread from 2007 about vacuum cleaners at the top of the list. FYI, my 6 Dyson still works great despite losing some plastic parts.</p>
<p>I’m a real problem for any vacuum. I have very long hair (worn in an up-do) and have a terrible time w/long strands get wrapped around the brush. Anyone else? Not about to cut my grey tresses.</p>
<p>I adore my Shark Navigator Lift Off and wouldn’t trade it for anything (and I’ve been through at least 6 different kinds!). We have 3 cats and 3 dogs, including a Sheltie and an American Eskimo Dog, both of which have heavy, shedding coats. There are also 3 women with long hair, so the vacuum gets quite a workout and never lets me down. The filters and the chambers themselves are completely washable and although I have to cut the hair from around the beater bar once a month or so, it’s not difficult and well worth it for the great cleaning job it does!</p>